Community Members Invited to Tour Youth Center

Oxnard, Calif.— Community members interested in seeing how youths' futures are being shaped at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) will have the opportunity on Mar. 13. BGCOP is inviting community members to visit the club's facilities for lunchtime tours that will showcase the club's programs and services available to local youth.

"Our club is a community resource, and we wouldn't be able to do all of the great things we do for our young members if not for the support of our community," said Tim Blaylock, CEO of BGCOP. "Tours are a great way for visitors to see experience the energy, activity and joy of our Club kids and to see how the Cllub helps support the community now, as well as in the future as we nurture the next generation of leaders."

The tour includes the Club's multipurpose room with its inspirational pictures of children riding bikes and playing cards, painted by long-time volunteer Linda Dullam; the music room and recording booth, where the Club's Peace Thru Music program provides free music lessons year-round; the after-school tutoring rooms, where members receive help with homework on a daily basis; the gymnasium area, where students play basketball and other sports; the cafeteria; and other areas of the Club.

The free tour will be conducted from noon to 1 p.m. at the Martin V. Smith Branch, 1900 West Fifth Street, Oxnard. A light lunch will be served. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Kelly Ventimiglia at 805-815-4959 x 205 or email kventimiglia@bgcop.org. Additional tour dates and/or to visits other Club sites can be arranged.

By involving parents, volunteers, educators and the business community, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme helps youth reach their full potential through a positive environment, lifelong learning and programs dedicated to the arts, education, character and leadership development, health and recreation. Programs are based on physical, emotional, cultural and social needs, and are designed to expand participants' areas of interest. For more information, visit www.positiveplace4kids.org.

This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with Ventura County Star.